The Coverage Gap Most New Authority Truckers Don't Know They Have

As a new authority trucker or owner-op, you could be facing a major gap in your trucking insurance coverage that could cost you thousands. Here's what you need to know.

The Surprising Hole in Most New Authority Trucking Insurance Policies

When you first get your authority and start shopping for trucking insurance, the focus is usually on getting the right primary liability coverage. That's the biggie - it protects you if you cause an accident and someone sues you.

But what a lot of new authority truckers don't realize is that primary liability alone isn't enough. You also need cargo insurance and bobtail insurance to truly be covered.

Why Cargo Insurance Matters (Even If You Don't Own the Freight)

A lot of new authority truckers think, "I don't need cargo insurance - I'm just hauling other people's stuff, so their insurance will cover it if anything happens."

Wrong.

If you cause damage to someone else's cargo, their insurance company will come after YOU to pay for it. And we're not talking a few hundred bucks here - we're talking tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The average cargo claim is around $67,000. That's a lot of cash to be on the hook for! Cargo insurance covers you for this, so you don't have to pay out of pocket.

The Surprising Importance of Bobtail Insurance

Bobtail insurance is another one that a lot of new authority truckers overlook. It covers you when you're driving your truck without a trailer - like when you're moving your truck from your house to the shipper, or back home at the end of the day.

Think about it - you could be in an accident, even a minor one, and get sued. If you don't have bobtail insurance, that liability is all on you. And with medical bills and lawsuits these days, that could easily run into the hundreds of thousands.

Bobtail insurance is super affordable, often less than $50 a month. But it could save your business if disaster strikes.

The 3 Essential Trucking Insurances for New Authority Truckers

To summarize, the 3 trucking insurances every new authority trucker and owner-op needs are:

1. Primary liability - Covers you if you cause an accident
2. Cargo insurance - Covers damage to freight you're hauling
3. Bobtail insurance - Covers you when driving without a trailer

Without all 3, you've got a dangerous coverage gap that could cost you big time.

Don't Learn the Hard Way - Get the Right Trucking Insurance Coverage

As a new authority trucker or owner-op, you're taking on a lot of responsibility and risk. The last thing you need is to find out the hard way that your insurance has a big hole in it.

Take the time to make sure you've got all 3 essential trucking insurances in place. It's the best way to protect your business, your livelihood, and your financial future.

Questions about your trucking insurance? Call or text 541-681-8793 or visit GetBigRigInsurance.com.